A guide to the artisans making a name in this must-visit destination
Tucked away just 90 miles north of Atlanta off Highway 575, Blue Ridge, Georgia, is home to the gem known as Canoe, along with several other must-visit shops. Like many Blue Ridge business owners, Kemp and her husband originally pictured the charming mountain home as so many do – a vacation getaway from the busy life in Atlanta, but the getaway quickly became a permanent residence as the Kemps fell prey, like so many, to the allure of Blue Ridge.
Her work featured multiple years in a row as the metallic icing on the models of “Sports Illustrated” Swimsuit Edition, it’s hard to believe the Blue Ridge, Georgia, designer and owner behind Canoe, Lynn Kemp, got her start designing spirit bracelets for students at her kids’ high school. More than ten years later, handbags are now at the forefront of Kemp’s business. New bracelets are also introduced seasonally and work beautifully with the store’s classic bangles. With over 30 colors, bangles are a mainstay but Kemp notes the most popular colors are timeless neutrals. 624 East Main Street
Another Blue Ridge must-see? Oyster Fly Rods, where owners Bill and Shannen Oyster, graduates of the University of Georgia and featured in Garden and Gun amongst other publications, sell handcrafted bamboo fly rods. Bill has been commissioned to make rods for many of the world’s finest anglers including President Jimmy Carter. Together, he and his wife Shannen also own and operate the Cast and Blast Inn on Main Street in downtown Blue Ridge, where they host visitors attending Bill’s fly rod classes — where he teaches ordinary folks how to build their own rod, down to the intricate carvings. As the most prolific teacher of this rod making art alive today, Bill draws students from as far away as England and Scotland as well as every corner of the US to his southern mountain town studio. Each year, Oyster introduces a little more of the world to this traditional craft and a look into the life of a bamboo fly rod maker.494 E Main Street; OysterBamboo.com
With myriad taste bud tantalizing restaurants dotting Blue Ridge’s landscape, it’s no surprise culinary pursuits spill over to the shopping scene. Stop in at the Blue Ridge Olive Oil Company and treat yourself to a gourmet selection of more than 65 varieties of olive oil and balsamic vinegars – such as roasted walnut or blood orange infused oil – and the opportunity to taste these remarkable innovations from around the world. 511 East Main Street, Suite 100; BlueRidgeOliveOil.com
It’s easy to spot treasure when you hunt at High Country Art and Antiques. Peruse this gallery for traditional and impressionist fine art, folk art, photography, pottery, jewelry, sculptures, antiques and collectibles. 715 E Main Street; www.HighCountryArt.com
At Turning Leaf Wood Art this very unique art gallery proudly features the works of exclusively American Artists and currently houses the works of over 50 artists. Many of the artists are world renowned and most are highly acclaimed award winning artists. When the gallery first opened its’ primary focus was on wood art and bi-products of wood such as gourd art and basketry. 651 E Main Street; www.TurningLeafWoodArt.com
Top off a visit to Blue Ridge with a stop at Multitudes Gallery, featuring Fishbone Studios – home to Betty Wassmer Ceramics, and showcasing the original creations of this noted ceramicist. At Multitudes view the works of hand blown glass artists. The gallery represents over 75 nationally and internationally known glass artists from all over the United States and features the work of regional artists in jewelry, ceramic pottery, iron work, photography, wood working, stain glass and oil/acrylic/watercolor painting. 801 E Main Street; www.MultitudesGallery.com; www.facebook.com/MultitudesGalleryBlueRidgeGA?fref=ts
Need a weekend – or maybe a week – to explore these shopportunities? From lake-view with a mountain vista and room for 20 to cabins hidden away and built only for two (hot tub included!) find links to cabin rental companies at www.BlueRidgeMountains.com.